VFS mandatory: All Schengen visa applications for Germany in Thailand are handled by VFS Global (Bangkok)bangkok.diplo.de. You need to book an appointment (no direct embassy submission, except for certain special cases). Ensure you fill the VIDEX online form in advance; it can save time at VFS.
Formal obligation (“Verpflichtungserklärung”): Germany is very strict about financial guarantees. If you cannot show sufficient funds in your Thai account, it’s highly recommended your German partner obtains a Verpflichtungserklärung from their local immigration office in Germany. This official letter means they formally commit to cover your expenses. Submit the original if possible. Without it, you’ll need strong personal finances or evidence of income.
Invitation letter & proof of relationship: Include a detailed invitation letter from your partner stating that you’re visiting them and will stay at their address. Germany doesn’t require a notarized letter – a signed informal letter plus a copy of your partner’s passport and German residence registration will do. Provide ample proof of your relationship: photographs of visits, travel tickets together, chat excerpts. The German Embassy will carefully evaluate relationship genuineness if you’re unmarried.
Interview possibility: German officers sometimes conduct short interviews or phone calls for visitor visas. This could happen at VFS (they might ask you to speak with an embassy official) or via phone after submission. Stay calm and answer truthfully about your travel purpose, relationship, and ties to Thailand if asked.
Ties to Thailand are crucial: Germany has one of the stricter approaches on assessing risk of overstaying. You must demonstrate strong reasons to return: an ongoing job (with a leave approval letter), property, or family dependents. If you’re between jobs or a homemaker, this is a common pitfall – be prepared with additional proof (e.g. a letter explaining any special circumstances and your plan to return). Showing a return flight booking is required, but on top of that, show anything that convinces them you won’t disappear in Europe.
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